New York governor poll numbers are tightening as the race between Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican Bruce Blakeman moves deeper into the fall. A Siena University survey released Wednesday shows Hochul ahead 49-39 among likely voters, a smaller margin than the 20-point lead she held in June among registered voters.
The latest numbers come with fewer than three months left before Election Day, and they suggest Hochul remains in front but no longer comfortably so. Siena pollster Steven Greenberg pointed to the governor’s position four years ago, when she led former Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin by 14 points in August 2022 before ultimately winning by six points. Blakeman, who serves as Nassau County executive, responded that recent polling has the race “virtually tied” and said the survey “is always off and continues to be off.” He also argued that Hochul’s record on taxes, electric bills and crime has hurt her standing.
The poll also asked likely voters for the first time about the Democratic Socialists of America, and the result was negative. The group received a 30-47 favorability rating overall. Democrats viewed the DSA favorably by 50-21, while 82% of Republicans and 57% of independents viewed it unfavorably. The DSA has played a visible role in elections around the country, including New York City, where member Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race last year.
On issue questions, Hochul held an edge on several bread-and-butter concerns that often shape New York politics. Likely voters said she would do a better job than Blakeman on making prices more affordable for average New Yorkers, 48-41, and on increasing the supply of affordable housing, 51-35. She also led narrowly on keeping New Yorkers safe, 47-44, and on addressing undocumented immigrants living in the state, 45-44.
